Society is about to "Boom" and I retired last August. Some seek retirement early, others put it off as long as possible. A basic question can be asked again. Who am I? And what kind of a world am I in.This blog will encourage individuals to explore the idea that "its more than just about the money". Retirement: Third Age New Beginnings

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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Leisure Options in Retirement

Several nights ago, Elizabeth and I gathered together with 6 friends whom we have known for a very long time to discuss a book titled The Spirit Level: Why equality is Better for Everyone; a topic very relevant to the current tension between haves and have-nots around the world including Canada. Of the eight persons attending five are formally retired.

The discussion was lively and very satisfying and can surely be classified as a leisure activity. According to Wikipedia “Leisure, orfree time, istimespent away frombusiness,work, anddomestic chores. It is also the periods of time before or after necessary activities such aseating,sleeping, etc. We had a wonderful meal with each couple bringing part of the food.

I was triggered to look for some research about leisure and retirement and was surprised to find a Journal Leisure Studies and in my search came across an article focused on Retirees[i]. Whether we are retired or not “psychological well-being such as self-acceptance, sense of control, good interpersonal relationships, a sense of having a goal in life, personal growth and relative independence” are major requirements of Successful Aging. T

The study cited below, using a leisure benefits scale, found seven types of leisure benefits “..companionship in activity, strengthening primary relationships, competence and skill development, expression and personal development, health and exercise, meeting role expectations and general enjoyment.”

In the study the Nimrod provided a table that listed 39 activities connected to Activity Factors such as; popular culture, spirituality, news papers, computer activities and following other generations within our families.(there are others, I just selected the eight that I am particularly interested in.

üArt exhibitions—Since Elizabeth has been taking Fine Arts classes. I have gone to a number of galleries and I will never forget the one’s we visited in Paris and Barcelona several years ago

üBooks—I love books!! My current favorites are Terry Brooks and Robert Ludlum and of course The Lord of The Ring series which I have read several times.

üTV—I probably spend too much time watching TV, In any case by current favorites

üChildren—Our children are all adults now but they live in different cities so I don’t see them very often but when I do, it’s very enjoyable.

üDaily News Papers--We get the Vancouver Sun and I always read CANADAWORLD first it’s fascinating but not always pleasurable.

Art With Wrinkles

Retirement Workshop

This workshop is designed for persons who are considering retirement or have already retired.While financial security is critical for retirement satisfaction and success, identity and social relationships are equally important. Retirement affects people differently. On the positive side it can mean new goals, interests, and activities. On the other end it can mean heavy stress, physical deterioration and depression.

This four-hour workshop helps participants explore attitudes and feelings about the social aspects of retirement. I am looking for organizations, either businesses or not for profit organizations that would like to sponsor this workshop.

About Me

I am a 74-year-old academic who resisted mandatory retirement for three years until the government decided to give human rights to people over the age of 65.
Over the last ten years my special interest has been aging and society. I have designed a course, Aging, which explores social relationships in later adulthood. I also conducted research on ageism in British Columbia.
This blog has been created with the assumption that while having a sufficient source of continuing income is needed, family connections, community and social involvement are equally important for a successful retirement.
This blog gives others a chance to share their stories.